When you focus on the problems, you'll have more problems. When you focus on the possibilities, you’ll have more opportunities! And this weekend marks the start of what could be a pretty amazing opportunity for Surfers Sunrise. This Saturday the Wheelchair Shed will open its doors to the local Youth Justice Program in providing community service opportunities for youth at risk. What an amazing opportunity to not only get some additional helping hands at the shed but also give our youth at risk a meaningful engagement with the community. If you've got a few spare hours this Saturday, pop in and meet them!
District Conference is just about upon us with only a few weeks to go. For those greener members, District Conference is an amazing opportunity to learn what Rotary really is all about. For those seasoned members, what a great opportunity to sharpen up on your knowledge, see what's happening in the district and listen to some incredible guest speakers all while enjoying the fellowship of our local Rotarians!
Speaking of other Rotarians, Breakfast this week is at the Country Club at Sanctuary Cove with our good friends from Hope Island Rotary... have you confirmed your attendance?
And for those attending ANZAC Day services and I encourage you all to do so, I leave you with this message: Before the sun breaches the horizon, a lone bugle will sound ‘The Last Post’. It’s the final farewell… a message for the fallen; 'your job is done, rest in peace.' Then, in the darkness, we’ll fall silent. Because the words 'thank you' will never be enough.
Yes, we were chartered some 30 years ago! In celebration, instead of breakfast, our "official" meeting will be for dinner at 6:00 pm for 6:30 pm - same place, same price of just $20.00 per person (bring cash please). All members, guests and friends welcome.
Surfers RSL Club
9 Beach Road
Surfers Paradise 4217
You can park across the road in the Bruce Bishop Car Park. Bring your ticket with you to have it pre-paid for you.
Do you have any memorabilia for general display? Photos? Bring them with you!
But we'll still have a social meeting in the morning. Meet at 07:00 am at
Bumbles Cafe (Budds Beach)
19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
Please bring cash for your breakfast as there can only be one bill per table ( 2 or 3 tables will be set up).
You would be correct in saying that ISS is a well kept secret... Considering that the company employs some 13,000 people in Australia and New Zealand, has created some 3,700 new jobs last year, it is quite amazing that, well, does not ring any bells with the general public.
ISS Facility Services is listed on the Danish Stock Exchange and operates throughout the world. Established in Australia in 2001, they provide services in all aspects of property maintenance and support, cleaning, catering, security services just to name a few. Their clientele includes, for example, Gold Coast Airport.
"Our entire business is based on our Employee Value Proposition (EVP)", Scott emphasized. "Our employees are paid minimum Award or higher and are paid on time, every time. They receive training, and we arrange full traineeships. They receive recognition. We value mobility, so if jobs are available on the East Coast, but a suitable employee is on the West Coast, we'll facilitate the transfer. But most importantly: You will be treated like a person." Employee assessment culminates in a rating of "Promoter", with an enviably large percentage of their staff falling into this category.
This EVP indeed produces results: Sick leave is at a outrageously low, well below industry average whilst employee turnover is at industry average and they experienced no strikes at all in 2016. The company runs an 'App' for employees to login, lodge a leave application, read company news, get info about their pay, manage their personal records. Impressive indeed!
Peter Morgan was at the door, Larry Murray was Chairman and Andy Bell was Sergeant.
We had apologies from Ray Higgs, Geoff Croad, Chris Thurtell, Daryl Sanderson, Richard Smith and Graeme Isaacson.
President Simon Brook welcomed all members and visitors Sahlee Orbidalla (RC of Southport - Fred Hamblen's partner), Clive Edwards (RC of Young, NSW) [that's him on the right. No, he doesn't normally wear Russian fur hats, except when he is Sergeant at the District Conference... ☺ Ed.]and our guest speaker, Scott Wilson. Simon confirmed that on Wednesday 22nd February there will be a Dinner Meeting instead of breakfast in celebration of our club's 30th Anniversary, but there will also be an informal social breakfast at Bungles - see article above. Do you have any memorabilia, photos etc? Please give them to Simon, or if in electronic format, to the Bulletin Editor (just reply to this email). For future calendar entries:
Sunday, 5th March we have planned a fundraising Bar-be-que,
Sunday, 12th March the District Assembly will be held at Lismore. In addition to all incoming club officers, District Governor Elect Darrell Brown requires 4 volunteers to assist at the registration desk. And of course, on
Sunday 26th March we'll have the inaugural Gold Coast Ramble - all men (and women) aboard!
DGE Darrell Brown reported on the recently held District Leadership Seminar. Good to see some 70% of the attendees were 'new faces'!
Treasurer Mitch Brown reminded all that membership dues must be in the club's bank account by 28th February (that means, sort of just right now) to claim the discount.
Franz Huber advised that both Carol Waller as well as John Ellemor will attend out 30th Anniversary dinner, but regrettably Dr Frank Mouser won't be able to attend.
Des La Rance advised that we have 150 wheelchairs ready to be loaded into a container. And the schools project is humming along nicely, and together with Mario Fairlie and PE Larry Murray reported on the recent happenings. A total of 6 schools will be involved, and Helensvale High School wants a long term involvement which may even include being involved in the construction phase. But we are about $10,000 short. Looking for a sponsor such as a building materials company to provide the roof panels. Larry emphasised that there is no doubt: "We will deliver!"
President Simon, I didn't fine you last week, but remind me again what happened at the Changeover last year? [refer to 30-odd previous notes on this old hoary chestnut...] Darrell Brown is adopting Donald Trump's philosophy? "Replacing 70% of the leadership team..."?? Mitch Brown 'Bilbo' is growing his beard again! Neil Thurlow and Adrian Crowe: from my standpoint, the sun reflecting on your heads blinds me! Mario Fairlie's Health Report is 'steady'... Bob Harrison, now married for 50 years. Finally, I know what's in that briefcase you carry in every week: you bring your lunch to work! Franz Huber, desperately trying to please the Sergeant, this week didn't wear any socks at all. But that raised the ire nevertheless, so he had a spare pair in his pocket. [I accused the Sergeant of having a Foot Fetish. But generally, men who suffer from this affliction, generally dream of women's feet... ☺] Des La Rance, when you are appointed Pope, please remember that it is "sponsored by Surfers Sunrise"! Angus Miller received 3 Flatpacks from Ikea, and would you believe: not a single bit was left over by the time he had them all assembled! Peter Morgan, how's the knee? Paul Seymour, welcome back! Joe Gorman arranged with her partner Tony a nice, romantic Valentine Day dinner. Champagne etc... By the time she got home, Tony had already eaten it. Rosie McIntyre and Tania Laird, good to see you back again! Fred Hamblen: There is no doubt that Sahlee is punching above her weight! Mark Twyford, did you have a facelift? You look quite different. No, he only had a swim before coming to Rotary... Visitor Clive Edwards, after living in the cold region of Young, NSW for decades, fancy taking all that time to recognize where God's country really is!
On Sunday 26 March 2017, Gold Coast Rotary in partnership with Surfers Sunrise Rotary and Griffith University Satellite Rotary Club will stage the inaugural Gold Coast Ramble - a major community event. This goes way beyond a Fun Run. It is great fun, since you need observation skills, the ability to solve some trivia questions. And last, but not least: you will help us support various very worthwhile local charities, including PCYC, the Salvos, Beyond Blue, Gold Coast Homeless Youth, just to name one. See more details on the Facebook page.
Whilst it is the inaugural event for the Gold Coast, the concept has been well and truly proven successful by the Rotary organizers in Perth. We are licensing their IP, the application software (apps) etc, so there is absolutely no doubt that it not only will work as planned, but it will be our club's major fundraiser for the year. It is a must participate event for all members and friends of Surfers Sunrise! Registration can be for individuals or for teams between 4 and 6 people. It can and should be promoted as a major corporate team building event. Spread the word! Organize a team! Register!
It will be held at the Alstonville Community Centre, just a 20 minute drive from Ballina, or if you prefer not to drive, a bus is organized. The band is Tallowwood Bush Band (yes, "No 96 to the snack bar please"...). The line-up includes a swag of incredibly talented multi-instrumentalists who present folk music from around the world with a strong Celtic influence and an emphasis on preserving the Australian family bush dance that transports the audience through time and emotion leaving no doubt why this band has been the winner of so many music awards and been so popular at festivals and events throughout Australia. And for food? Master Chef Tony Koelner will have an open spit bar-be-que.
You can register online right now: go to this link or go to the conference's main website: http://www.rotary9640conference.org.au/You can also book accommodation at that site. Don't leave it to the last minute! Conference attendance itself is free, but, fair enough, some fees apply if you want to get lunch, participate in the bush dance on Saturday night etc.
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